Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Dies in Prison, According to Authorities

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died on February 16, 2023, at the age of 47, while serving a 19-year sentence in an Arctic prison colony. The cause of his death is currently being investigated. Navalny had long been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin and was known for his anti-corruption campaigns and protests. He survived an assassination attempt via poisoning with a nerve agent in 2020, but was arrested upon his return to Russia in January 2021 on charges dismissed as politically motivated. His death sparked widespread condemnation from Western governments, who accused the Kremlin of being responsible for his death. The Russian authorities have denied any involvement and opened an investigation into Navalny's death. Navalny was remembered as a charismatic and influential opposition leader who mobilized a generation of younger Russians and struck Putin in his sore spots with embarrassing revelations and a "smart voting" strategy. His imprisonment and subsequent death led to protests across Russia, with many expressing their condolences and calling for justice.